Positive installation indicator assembly

ABSTRACT

An indicator assembly includes a fastener defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an axis extending from the first end to the second end; a first indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener; and a second indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener, wherein the second indicator is axially in between the first indicator and the second end of the fastener upon the fastener being oriented in a first position, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener being oriented in a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/210,966, filed Mar. 24, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/994,087, filed Mar. 24, 2020, each ofwhich is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a pipe fitting for connecting sections ofpipes. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a pipe fitting andmethod for connecting sections of pipes having a positive installationindicator to provide a visual indication that sections of pipes havebeen properly joined to the pipe fitting.

BACKGROUND

Pipe fittings are commonly used to connect two sections of pipestogether to form a pipe connection, such as when installing a pipesystem or a pipe infrastructure. Some pipe fittings require tighteningone or more set screws inserted into the pipe fitting to secure thesections of pipes to the pipe fittings. The set screws typically shouldbe tightened to a certain depth and/or torque to assure that theclamping force from the set screws provide a reliable seal and/or thepipe section cannot inadvertently separate from the pipe fitting. Toassure that the set screws are properly tightened, quality assurancereviews must be made either by measuring the depth of the tightened setscrews or by measuring the torque of the set screws using a torquewrench. Such quality assurance reviews are time consuming and prone tohuman error.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a pipe fitting for joining two pipes comprising a housing,a fastener, a first indicator and a second indicator. The housing has anouter surface, a first end and a second end. The housing defines acavity extending from the first end to the second end and a holeextending from the outer surface of housing to the cavity. The fasteneris situated in the hole. The first indicator is positioned radiallyoutwardly of the fastener. The second indicator is positioned radiallyoutwardly of the fastener. The second indicator is axially in betweenthe first indicator and the outer surface of the housing upon thefastener in a first position and the second indicator is radiallyinwardly or radially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastenerin a second position.

Also disclosed is a method for joining two pipes, comprising the steps:providing a housing having a housing outer surface, a first housing end,and a second housing end, the housing defining a cavity extending fromthe first housing end to the second housing end and a hole extendingfrom the housing outer surface to the cavity, the cavity defining anaxis, providing a first indicator defining a first indicator bore withthe fastener inserted through the first indicator bore, providing asecond indicator defining a second indicator bore with the fastenerinserted through the second indicator bore and in the hole such that thesecond indicator is axially in between the first indicator and thehousing outer surface, inserting an end of a first pipe into the cavity,and moving the fastener radially inwardly towards the axis of the cavitysuch that the inner surface of one of the first and second indicatorslides along the outer surface of other of the first and secondindicator until the one of the first and second indicator is radiallyoutward of the other of the first and second indicator.

Disclosed is an indicator assembly comprising a fastener defining afirst end, a second end opposite the first end, and an axis extendingfrom the first end to the second end; a first indicator positionedradially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener;and a second indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastenerrelative to the axis of the fastener, wherein the second indicator isaxially in between the first indicator and the second end of thefastener upon the fastener being oriented in a first position, andwherein the second indicator is radially inwardly or radially outwardlyof the first indicator upon the fastener being oriented in a secondposition.

A method for joining two pipes is disclosed, the method comprisingproviding a housing having a housing outer surface, a first housing end,and a second housing end, the housing defining a cavity extending fromthe first housing end to the second housing end and a hole extendingfrom the housing outer surface to the cavity, the cavity defining anaxis; providing a first indicator defining a first indicator bore with afastener inserted through the first indicator bore; providing a secondindicator defining a second indicator bore with the fastener insertedthrough the second indicator bore and into the hole such that the secondindicator is axially in between the first indicator and the housingouter surface; inserting an end of a first pipe into the cavity; andmoving the fastener radially inwardly towards the axis of the cavitysuch that an inner surface of an outer one of the first and secondindicator slides along an outer surface of an inner one of the first andsecond indicator until the outer one of the first and second indicatoris radially outward of the inner one of the first and second indicator.

Also disclosed is a pipe fitting for joining two pipes, the pipe fittingcomprising a housing having an outer surface, a first end, and a secondend, the housing defining a cavity extending from the first end to thesecond end and a hole extending from the outer surface of housing to thecavity; and an indicator assembly comprising a fastener situated in thehole, a first indicator mounted on the fastener, and a second indicatormounted on the fastener, the fastener defining an axis; wherein thesecond indicator is axially in between the first indicator and the outersurface of the housing upon the fastener being oriented in a firstposition, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly orradially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener beingoriented in a second position.

Additionally, disclosed is a pipe coupling comprising a coupling bodydefining a hole; and an indicator assembly comprising a fastenerextending through the hole, a first indicator mounted on the fastener,and a second indicator mounted on the fastener, the fastener defining anaxis; wherein the second indicator is axially in between the firstindicator and the coupling body upon the fastener being oriented in afirst position, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly orradially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener beingoriented in a second position.

Further, disclosed is an indicator assembly comprising a first indicatorring defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an outersurface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the innersurface defining a conical, hollow bore extending from the first end tothe second end, wherein a diameter of the conical, hollow bore at thefirst end is less than a diameter of the conical, hollow bore at thesecond end; and a second indicator ring configured to engage theconical, hollow bore of the first indicator ring, the second indicatorring defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an outersurface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the outersurface defining a conical shape, wherein a diameter of the outersurface at the first end is less than a diameter of the outer surface atthe second end.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe fitting prior to sections ofpipes inserted into the pipe fitting and the set screws tightened.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pipe fitting illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 4-4 asshown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion 5 circled in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a front view of the housing of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing along line 9-9 as shownin FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the grip ring illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a back view of the grip ring of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a side view of the grip ring of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the grip ring along line 13-13 asshown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of portion 14 illustrated in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15 is a perspective bottom view of an outer indicator ring.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the outer indicator ring of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the outer indicator ring along line17-17 as shown in FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a perspective bottom view of an inner indicator ring.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the inner indicator ring of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the inner indictor ring along line20-20 as shown in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the pipe fitting illustrated in FIG. 1after one section of pipe has been inserted into the pipe fitting andthe set screws tightened.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of portion 24 circled in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 25 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 25-25 asshown in FIG. 23 .

FIG. 26 is a side view of the pipe fitting according to a second aspectof the present disclosure prior to sections of pipes inserted into thepipe fitting and the set screws tightened.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 26 .

FIG. 28 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 28-28 asshown in FIG. 27 .

FIG. 29 is a side view of the pipe fitting illustrated in FIG. 26 afterone section of pipe has been inserted into the pipe fitting and the setscrews tightened.

FIG. 30 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 31 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 31-31 asshown in FIG. 30 .

FIG. 32 is a side view of the pipe fitting according to a third aspectof the present disclosure prior to sections of pipes inserted into thepipe fitting and the set screws tightened.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 32 .

FIG. 34 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 34-34 asshown in FIG. 33 .

FIG. 35 is a side view of the pipe fitting illustrated in FIG. 33 afterone section of pipe has been inserted into the pipe fitting and the setscrews tightened.

FIG. 36 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 35 .

FIG. 37 is cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 37-37 asshown in FIG. 36 .

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to a fourthaspect of the present disclosure after one section of pipe has beeninserted into the pipe fitting and the set screws tightened.

FIG. 39 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 38 .

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the housing along line 40-40 asshown in FIG. 39 .

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the housing along line 41-41 asshown in FIG. 39 .

FIG. 42 is a front view of the pipe fitting of FIG. 38 .

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting along line 43-43as shown in FIG. 42 .

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe fitting according to a fifthaspect of the present disclosure prior to sections of pipes insertedinto the pipe fitting and the set screws tightened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about W, L, D, H, θ or substantially W, L, D, H, θ on aparticular measurement scale measures within a range between W, L, D, H,θ plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specifiedmeasurement and W, L, D, H, θ minus an industry-standard lower tolerancefor the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary betweendifferent materials, processes and between different models, thetolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component canfall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a pipe fitting for connecting sections of pipes andassociated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. It would beunderstood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed strike assemblyis described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particularterminology or description should be considered limiting on thedisclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

A first aspect of a fitting assembly 1000 comprising pipe fitting 10 isdisclosed and described in FIGS. 1-25 . The pipe fitting 10 can be anysuitable type of fitting, including but not limited to, a coupler,adapter, tee, elbow, flange, pipe coupling, pipe clamp, and the like. Asshown in FIG. 1 , the pipe fitting 10 can be a coupler fitting 15 forconnecting a first pipe section 12 to a second pipe section 14. As shownin FIGS. 1-5 , the pipe fitting 10 can comprise a housing 16, a firstgrip ring 18, a second grip ring 20, a first annular seal 22, a secondannular seal 24, a first set screw 26, a second set screw 28, and one ormore positive installation indicators 25. In the present aspect, the oneor more positive installation indicators 25 can comprise a firstpositive installation indicator 30, and a second positive installationindicator 32. The first set screw 26 and the first positive installationindicator 30 can define a first indicator assembly 35, and the secondset screw 28 and the second positive installation indicator 32 candefine a second indicator assembly 45. Each positive installationindicator 30,32 includes an outer indicator ring 34 and an innerindicator ring 36. Furthermore, each of the first and second set screws26,28 can define a first end 27 and a second end opposite the first end29. It should be noted that any other suitable fasteners, including butnot limited to bolts, screws and rivets, may be used in place of the setscrews 26,28. FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the pipe fitting 10 prior to the pipesections 12,14 inserted into the pipe fitting 10 and prior to the setscrews 26,28 tightened to secure the pipe sections 12,14 to the pipefitting 10. In other aspects, the positive installation indicator(s) 25can be used with any suitable fastener(s), such as bolts, on any othersuitable type of fitting, such as a pipe clamp or pipe coupling, whereinit is desired to indicate that the fastener(s) are properly tightened.

The housing 16 illustrated in FIG. 6-9 can be formed of a high strengthmetallic material, including but not limited to iron, steel, aluminum,or their alloys or of a high strength polymeric material. The housing 16can be formed by casting, stamping and/or machining. The housing 16 hasa first end 38 defining a first entrance 40 and a second end 42 defininga second entrance 44. The housing 16 has a generally annular outersurface 46 and a generally annular inner surface 48. The outer surface46 of the housing 16 includes a first boss 50, a second boss 52 and anannular groove 54.

The housing 16 defines an axis 56 extending from the first end 38 of thehousing to the second end 42 of the housing. The inner surface 48 of thehousing defines a cavity 58 radially inwardly of the inner surface 48and extending from the first entrance 40 to the second entrance 44. Theaxis 56 extends through the middle center line of the cavity 58. Theinner surface 48 defines a first grip ring retaining groove 60 axiallyinwardly of the first entrance 40 and a second grip ring retaininggroove 62 axially inwardly of the second entrance 44. Axially inwardlyof the first grip ring retaining groove 60 is a first annular sealretaining groove 64 and axially inwardly of the second grip ringretaining groove 62 is a second annular seal retaining groove 66. Afirst pipe retaining portion 68 is located axially inwardly of the firstannular seal retaining groove 64 and a second pipe retaining portion 70is located axially inwardly of the second annular seal retaining groove66. A diameter D₂ of the pipe retaining portions 68,70 is slightlylarger than a diameter D₁ of the first and second pipe sections 12,14(shown in FIG. 1 ) to allow the pipe sections 12,14 to be inserted intothe pipe retaining portions 68,70 while minimizing radial movement ofthe pipe sections 12,14 relative to the housing 16. An annular radiallyinwardly extending pipe abutment 72 is located between the first piperetaining portion 68 and the second pipe retaining portion 70. The pipeabutment 72 has a first annular surface 74 to prevent the first pipesection 12 from moving further axially inwardly and a second annularsurface 76 to prevent the second pipe section 14 from moving furtheraxially inwardly. The first grip ring retaining groove 60, the firstannular seal retaining groove 64, the first pipe retaining portion 68,the pipe abutment 72, the second pipe retaining portion 70, the secondannular seal retaining groove 66 and the second grip retaining groove 62to together form the inner surface 48 of the housing 16.

The housing 16 defines a first threaded hole 78 extending through thefirst boss 50 radially inwardly towards the housing axis 56 from theouter surface 46 to the inner surface 48 of the housing. The firstthreaded hole 78 can be sized to accommodate the first set screw 26(shown in FIGS. 1-5 ). The housing 16 further defines a second threadedhole 80 extending through the second boss 52 radially inwardly towardsthe housing axis 56 from the outer surface 46 to the inner surface 48 ofthe housing. The second threaded hole 80 can be sized to accommodate thesecond set screw 28 (shown in FIGS. 1-5 ). The threaded holes 78,80 canbe chamfered to allow the set screws 26,38, to be guided to the holes78,80. The first threaded hole 78 defines an axis 82. The axis 82 of thefirst threaded hole 78 is approximately perpendicular to the axis 56 ofthe housing 16. The second threaded hole 80 defines an axis 84. The axis84 of the second threaded hole 80 is approximately perpendicular to theaxis 56 of the housing 16.

The grip ring 18,20 of the pipe fitting 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The grip rings 18,20 of the illustrated aspect are identical in sizeand shape. In other aspects, the grips rings 18,20 can have differentsizes and/or shapes to accommodate for different sizes and/or shapes ofthe pipe sections. For instance, the pipe fitting 10 may be for joiningthe first pipe section 12 to the second pipe section 14 wherein thediameter of the first pipe section 12 is greater than the diameter ofthe second pipe section 14. For such a pipe fitting 10 for joining afirst pipe section 12 to a smaller diameter second pipe section 14, thediameter of the first entrance 40 of the housing 16 should be largerthan the diameter of the second entrance 44, and the size of the firstgrip ring 18 should also be larger than the diameter of the second gripring 20. The illustrated grip ring 18,20 can be formed of a metalmaterial, including but not limited to, steel, aluminum or their alloys.The grip ring 18,20 can formed by stamping a blank sheet of metallicmaterial and then bending the stamped material into the shape of a ringand connecting and/or contacting at the ends. Alternatively, a polymericmaterial can used to form the grip ring 18,20. A mold can be used toform the polymeric grip ring 18,20.

Each grip ring 18,20 includes a ring body 86 and a plurality of teeth 88extending axially outwardly and radially inwardly from one axial end ofthe ring body 86. Each grip ring 18,20 is positioned in thecorresponding grip ring retaining groove 60,62 such that the teeth 88extend axially away from the corresponding entrance 40,44 (shown in FIG.4 ). The teeth 88 can be flexible to allow the teeth 88 to flex radiallyoutwardly while being able to apply a radially inwardly force upon theteeth 88 flexed radially outwardly. The teeth 88 are illustrated asbeing generally rectangular shaped. The teeth can also be formed ofother shapes, such as a triangle shape. Each tooth has a terminal end90. A diameter D₃ of the terminal ends 90 of the teeth is smaller thanthe diameter D₁ of the first and second pipe sections 12,14 (shown inFIG. 1 ), such that as the pipe section 12,14 is inserted through thecorresponding grip ring 18,20, the outer surface of the pipe section12,14 pushes or flexes the teeth 88 radially outwardly. Since the teeth88 extend away from the corresponding entrance 40,44, once the teeth 88are radially outwardly of the pipe section 12,14, the terminal ends 90of the teeth 88 will dig into the outer surface of the pipe section12,14 should a pulling force be exerted axially to the pipe section in adirection that would separate the pipe section from the pipe fitting.

The annular seals 22,24 of the pipe fitting 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The annular seals 22,24 of the illustrated aspect are identical insize and shape. In other aspects, the annular seals 22,24 can havedifferent sizes and/or shapes to accommodate for different sizes and/orshapes of the pipe sections 12,14. For instance, the pipe fitting 10 maybe for joining the first pipe section 12 to the second pipe section 14wherein the diameter of the first pipe section 12 is greater than thediameter of the second pipe section 14. For such a pipe fitting 10 forjoining the first pipe section 12 to a smaller diameter second pipesection 14, the size of the first annular seal 22 will need to be largerthan the diameter of the second annular seal 24. The illustrated annularseals 22,24 can be formed of an elastic material, including but notlimited to, rubber or plastic. The annular seal 22,24 can formed bymolding or casting in a die.

Each annular seal 22,24 includes a ring body 92 and a lip or sealingportion 94 extending axially inwardly and radially inwardly from oneaxial end of the ring body 92. Each annular seal 22,24 is positioned inthe corresponding annular seal retaining groove 64,66 such that thesealing portion 94 extend axially away from the corresponding entrance40,44 (shown in FIG. 4 ). The lip or sealing portion 94 has a radiallyinward annular edge 96. A diameter D₄ of the radially inward annularedge 96 of the sealing portion (shown in FIG. 4 ) is smaller than thediameter D₁ of the first and second pipe sections 12,14 (shown in FIG. 1), such that as the pipe section 12,14 is inserted through the annularseal 22,24, the outer surface of the pipe section 12,14 stretches thesealing portion 94 radially outwardly. Since the sealing portion 94extends away from the corresponding entrance 40,44, the pipe section12,14 is able to slide along with sealing portion 94 without kinking thesealing portion. This allows a tight seal to be formed between the pipesection 12,14 and the corresponding annular seal 22,24.

The outer indicator ring 34 is illustrated in FIGS. 15-17 and the innerindicator ring 36 is illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 . The outer indictorring 34 and the inner indicator 36 together form a positive installationindicator 30,32 (shown in FIGS. 1-5 ). The inner indicator ring 36 canbe of a color different than the color of the outer indicator ring 34.For example, the inner indicator ring 36 can be red while the outerindicator ring 34 can be green. The outer indicator ring 34 can beformed of a polymeric material or a rubber material. The outer indicatorring 34 includes a first end 98, a second end 100, an outer surface 102and an inner surface 104. The outer indicator ring 34 defines a hollowbore 106 extending from the first end 98 to the second end 100. Theinner surface 104 of the outer indicator ring 34 is conical shaped suchthat a diameter D₅ of the inner surface 104 at first end 98 is smallerthan a diameter D₆ of the inner surface 104 at the second end 100. Theinner indicator ring 36 can be formed of a polymeric material. In someaspects, the inner indicator ring 36 can define a hardness that can bedifferent from a harness of the outer indicator ring 34. Furthermore, insome aspects, the inner indicator ring 36 can define an elasticity thancan be different from an elasticity of the outer indicator ring 34. Forexample, the inner indicator ring 36 can be formed of a material that isharder or less elastic than the material forming the outer indicatorring 34 such that upon the outer indicator ring 34 being slid over theinner indicator ring 36, the outer indicator ring 34 is able to expandradially outwardly to accommodate the inner indicator ring 36 beingfurther inserted into the outer indicator ring 34. The inner indicatorring 36 includes a first end 108, a second end 110, an outer surface 112and an inner surface 114. The inner indicator ring 36 defines a hollowbore 116 extending from the first end 108 to the second end 110. Theouter surface 112 of the inner indicator ring 36 is conical shaped suchthat a diameter D₇ of the outer surface 112 at the first end 108 issmaller than a diameter D₈ of the outer surface 112 at the second end110. An angle θ₁ of the outer surface of the inner indicator ring 36 isapproximately the same as an angle θ₂ of the inner surface of the outerindicator ring 34 to allow the outer indicator ring 34 to be situatedradially outwardly of the inner indicator ring 36 upon the outerindicator ring 34 being expanded. The height H₁ of the outer indicatorring 34 can be larger than the height H₂ of the inner indicator ring 36.By having the outer indicator ring 34 taller than the inner indicatorring 36, the outer indicator ring 34 is able to completely cover theinner indicator ring 36. That is, the entire inner indicator ring 36 canbe radially inward of the outer indicator ring 34, and the entire outerindicator ring 36 can be radially outward of inner indicator ring 36.

The first and second set screws 26,28, each includes a head 118 and athreaded shaft 120 (shown in FIG. 4 ). The head 118 of each set screw26,28 has an annular axial inner surface 122 adjacent and transitions tothe threaded shaft 120. The first set screw 26 is inserted through thehollow bore 106 of the outer indicator ring 34 (shown in FIG. 17 ) suchthat the first end 98 of the outer indicator ring is adjacent to andabuts the axial inner surface 122 of the head 118. The first set screw26 is then inserted through the hollow bore 116 of the inner indicatorring 36 (shown in FIG. 20 ) such that the first end 108 of the innerindicator ring is adjacent to the second end 100 of the outer indicatorring 34. The first set screw 26, with the outer indicator ring 34 andthe inner indicator ring 36 positioned radially outwardly of the shaft120, is attached to the housing 16 by inserting the threaded shaft 120in the first threaded hole 78 and rotating the first set screw 26 tomove the first set screw radially inwardly along the axis 82 of thefirst threaded hole 78 (shown in FIG. 9 ) towards the housing axis 56.Likewise, the second set screw 28 is inserted through the hollow bore106 of the outer indicator ring 34 such that the first end 98 of theouter indicator ring is adjacent to and abuts the axial inner surface122 of the head 118. The second set screw 28 is then inserted throughthe hollow bore 116 of the inner indicator ring 36 such that the firstend 108 of the inner indicator ring is adjacent to the second end 100 ofthe outer indicator ring 34. The first set screw 26, with the outerindicator ring 34 and the inner indicator ring 36 positioned radiallyoutwardly of the shaft 120 is attached to the housing 16 by insertingthe threaded shaft 120 in the second threaded hole 80 and rotating thesecond set screw 28 to move the second set screw radially inwardly alongthe axis 84 of the second thread hole towards the housing axis 56.

Referring to FIGS. 21-25 , after the first grip ring 18 has beeninstalled in the first grip ring retaining groove 60, the second gripring 20 has been installed in the second grip ring retaining groove 62,the first annular seal 22 has been installed in the first annular sealretaining groove 64, the second annular seal 24 has been installed inthe second annular seal retaining groove 66, the first set screw 26,with the first positive installation indicator 30 positioned radiallyoutwardly of the shaft 120, has been installed in the first threadedhole 78, and the second set screw 28, with the second positiveinstallation indicator 32 positioned radially outwardly of the shaft120, has been installed in the second threaded hole 80, the first pipesection 12 and the second pipe section 14 can be joined to the pipefitting 10.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate only the first pipe section 12 inserted into andjoined to the pipe fitting 10. The second pipe section 14 is not shownin FIGS. 22-25 to provide clarity and contrast to a pipe section thathas been inserted into and joined to the pipe fitting 10. It should benoted that to join the first pipe section 12 and the second pipe section14 to the pipe fitting 10 to form a fluid connection between the firstpipe section 12 with the second pipe section 14, the second pipe section14 is inserted into and secured to the pipe fitting 10 in the samemanner that the first pipe section 12 is inserted into and secured tothe pipe fitting 10.

To join the first pipe section 12 to the pipe fitting 10, the first pipesection 12 is inserted axially into the pipe fitting 10 through thefirst entrance 40 (shown in FIG. 4 ). As the first pipe section 12 isinserted further into the pipe fitting 10, the outer surface of thefirst pipe section 12 pushes and flexes the teeth 88 of the first gripring 18 radially outwardly. Further insertion of the first pipe section12 into the pipe fitting 10 causes the outer surface of the first pipesection 12 to contact the sealing portion 94 of the first annular seal22 and stretch the sealing portion 94 radially outwardly to create afluid seal between the first pipe section 14 and the first annular seal22. The first pipe section 14 is inserted into the pipe fitting 10 untilthe end of the first pipe section 14 abuts first annular surface 74 ofthe pipe abutment 72 and is situated in the first pipe retaining portion68. Once the first pipe section 12 has been properly inserted into thepipe fitting 10, the first pipe section 12 can be secured to the pipefitting 10. To secure the first pipe section 12 to the pipe fitting 10,the first set screw 26 is rotated such that the threading of the firstset screw 26 and the threading of the first threaded hole 78 causes thefirst set screw 26 to move radially inwardly towards the housing axis56. As the first set screw 26 moves radially inwardly, the outerindicator ring 34 and the inner indicator ring 36 are compressed inbetween the axially inner surface 122 of the head 118 of the set screw26 and the outer surface 46 of the housing 16 at the first boss 50. Asthe outer indicator ring 34 and the inner indicator ring 36 are beingcompressed, the outer indicator ring 34 expands and slides over theinner indicator ring 36. The first set screw 26 is moved radiallyinwardly until an end 124 of the first set screw 26 pushes against thering body 86 of the first grip ring 18 to apply a clamping force to thefirst pipe section 12; thus, preventing the first pipe section 12 frommoving axially relative to the pipe fitting 10. The first positiveinstallation indicator 30 is sized or calibrated such that upon thefirst set screw 26 being moved to a position where the end 124 of thefirst set screw 26 pushes the ring body 86 to apply the necessaryclamping force to the first pipe section, the inner indicator ring 36 iscompletely radially inwardly of the outer indicator ring 34 such thatthe inner indicator ring 36 is no longer visible. The inner indicatorring 36 can be of a color different than the color of the outerindicator ring 34. For example, the inner indicator ring 36 can be redwhile the outer indicator ring 34 can be green. Having the innerindicator ring 36 be a different color than the outer indicator ring 34allows for easy visual verification that the outer indicator ring 34 hascompletely surrounded the inner indicator ring 34 and the first setscrew 26 has moved sufficiently radially inwardly to push the ring body86 to apply the necessary clamping force to the first pipe section 12.

While FIGS. 21-25 do not illustrate the second pipe section 14 insertedinto and joined to the pipe fitting 10, the process for inserting thesecond pipe section 14 into the pipe fitting 10 through the secondentrance until the end of the second pipe section 14 abuts the secondannular surface 76 of the pipe abutment 72 and is situated in the secondpipe retaining portion 70 is the same as the process for inserting thefirst pipe section 12 into the pipe fitting 10 through the firstentrance until the end of the first pipe section 12 abuts the firstannular surface 74 of the pipe abutment and is situated in the firstpipe retaining portion 68. Likewise, while FIGS. 21-25 do not illustratethe second pipe section 14 secured to the pipe fitting 10, the processfor securing the second pipe section 14 to the pipe fitting 10 is thesame as the process for securing the first pipe section 14 to the pipefitting 10. The second set screw 28 is rotated such that the threadingof the second set screw 28 and the threading of the second threaded hole80 causes the second set screw 28 to move radially inwardly towards thehousing axis 56. As the second set screw 28 moves radially inwardly, theouter indicator ring 34 and the inner indicator ring 36 are compressedin between the axially inner surface 122 of the head 118 of the setscrew 28 and the outer surface 46 of the housing 16 at the second boss52. As the outer indicator ring 34 and the inner indicator ring 36 arebeing compressed, the outer indicator ring 34 expands and slides overthe inner indicator ring 36. The second set screw 28 is moved radiallyinwardly until the end 124 of the second set screw 28 pushes against thering body 86 of the second grip ring 20 to apply a clamping force to thesecond pipe section 14; thus, preventing the second pipe section 14 frommoving axially relative to the pipe fitting 10. The second positiveinstallation indicator 32 is sized or calibrated such that upon thesecond set screw 28 being moved to a position where the end 124 of thesecond set screw 28 pushes the ring body 86 to apply the necessaryclamping force to the second pipe section, the inner indicator ring 36is completely radially inwardly of the outer indicator ring 34 such thatthe inner indicator ring 36 is no longer visible. The inner indicatorring 36 can be of a color different than the color of the outerindicator ring 34. For example, the inner indicator ring 36 can be redwhile the outer indicator ring 34 can be green. Having the innerindicator ring 36 be a different color than the outer indicator ring 34allows for easy visual verification that the outer indicator ring 34 hascompletely surrounded the inner indicator ring 34 and the second setscrew 28 has moved sufficiently radially inwardly to push the ring body86 to apply the necessary clamping force to the second pipe section 14.

A second aspect of the fitting assembly 1000 comprising a pipe fitting210 is disclosed and described in FIGS. 26-31 . The pipe fitting 210 canbe any suitable type of fitting, including but not limited to, acoupler, adapter, tee, elbow, flange, pipe coupling, pipe clamp, and thelike. The pipe fitting 210 of the second aspect is similar to the pipefitting 10 of the first aspect with the exception that the pipe fitting210 can be secured to a first pipe section 212 and a second pipe section214 by an end 324 of the first set screw 226 abutting and clamping downon the outer surface of the first pipe section 212 and by an end 326 ofthe second set screw 228 abutting and clamping down on the outer surfaceof the second pipe section 214. The pipe fitting 210 of the secondaspect can comprise a housing 216, a first annular seal 222, a secondannular seal 224, a first set screw 226, a second set screw 228, and oneor more of the positive installation indicators 25. The one or morepositive installation indicators 25 can comprise a first positiveinstallation indicator 230 and a second positive installation indicator232. The first set screw 226 and the first positive installationindicator 230 can define the first indicator assembly 35, and the secondset screw 228 and the second positive installation indicator 232 candefine the second indicator assembly 45. Each positive installationindicator 230,232 includes an outer indicator ring 234 and an innerindicator ring 236. It should be noted that other fasteners, includingbut not limited to bolts, screws and rivets, may be used in place of setscrews. FIGS. 26-28 illustrate the pipe fitting 210 prior to the pipesections 212,214 inserted into the pipe fitting 210 and prior to the setscrews 226,228 tightened to secure the pipe sections 212,214 to the pipefitting 210. In other aspects, the positive installation indicator(s) 25can be used with any suitable fastener(s), such as bolts, on any othersuitable type of fitting, such as a pipe clamp or pipe coupling, whereinit is desired to indicate that the fastener(s) are properly tightened.

The housing 216 can be formed of a high strength metallic material,including but not limited to iron, aluminum or their alloys or of a highstrength polymeric material. The housing 216 can be formed by casting,stamping and/or machining. The housing 216 has a first end 238 defininga first entrance 240 and a second end 242 defining a second entrance244. The housing 216 has a generally annular outer surface 246 and agenerally annular inner surface 248. The outer surface 246 of thehousing 216 includes a first boss 250, a second boss 252 and an annulargroove 254.

The housing 216 defines an axis 256 extending from the first end 238 ofthe housing to the second end 242 of the housing. The inner surface 248of the housing defines a cavity 258 radially inwardly of the innersurface 248 and extending from the first entrance 240 to the secondentrance 244. The axis 256 extends through the middle center line of thecavity 258. The inner surface 248 defines a first annular seal retaininggroove 264 axially inwardly of the first entrance 240 and a secondannular seal retaining groove 266 axially inwardly of the secondentrance 244. A first pipe retaining portion 268 is located axiallyinwardly of the first annular seal retaining groove 264 and a secondpipe retaining portion 270 is located axially inwardly of the secondannular seal retaining groove 266. A diameter D₁₂ of the pipe retainingportions 268,270 is slightly larger than a diameter D₁₁ of the first andsecond pipe sections 212,214 to allow the pipe sections 212,214 to beinserted into the pipe retaining portions 268,270 while minimizingradial movement of the pipe sections 212,214 relative to the housing216. An annular radially inwardly extending pipe abutment 272 is locatedbetween the first pipe retaining portion 268 and the second piperetaining portion 270. The pipe abutment 272 has a first annular surface274 to prevent the first pipe section 212 from moving further axiallyinwardly and a second annular surface 276 to prevent the second pipesection 214 from moving further axially inwardly. The first annular sealretaining groove 264, the first pipe retaining portion 268, the pipeabutment 272, the second pipe retaining portion 270 and the secondannular seal retaining groove 266 together form the inner surface 248 ofthe housing 216.

The housing 216 defines a first threaded hole 278 extending through thefirst boss 250 radially inwardly towards the housing axis 256 from theouter surface 246 to the inner surface 248 of the housing. The firstthreaded hole 278 can be sized to accommodate the first set screw 226.The housing 216 further defines a second threaded hole 280 extendingthrough the second boss 252 radially inwardly towards the housing axis256 from the outer surface 246 to the inner surface 248 of the housing.The second threaded hole 280 can be sized to accommodate the second setscrew 228 (shown in FIGS. 1-5 ). The threaded holes 278,280 can bechamfered to allow the set screws 226, 228, to be guided to the holes278,280. The axis of the first threaded hole 278 is approximatelyperpendicular to the axis 256 of the housing 216. The axis of the secondthreaded hole 280 is approximately perpendicular to the axis 256 of thehousing 216.

The annular seals 222,224 of the pipe fitting 210 of the second aspectcan be the same as the annular seals 22,24 of the first aspect andfunction in the same manner as the annular seals 22,24 of the firstaspect. Each annular seal 222,224 includes a ring body 292 and a lip orsealing portion 294 extending axially inwardly and radially inwardlyfrom one axial end of the ring body 292. Each annular seal 222,224 ispositioned in the corresponding annular seal retaining groove 264,266such that the sealing portion 294 extend axially away from thecorresponding entrance 240,244. The lip or sealing portion 294 has aradially inward annular edge 296. The diameter of the radially inwardannular edge 296 of the sealing portion is smaller than the diameter ofthe first and second pipe sections 212,214, such that as the pipesection 212,214 is inserted through the annular seal 222,224, the outersurface of the pipe section 212,214 stretches the sealing portion 294radially outwardly.

The outer indicator ring 234 of the second aspect can be the same as theouter indicator ring 34 of the first aspect and functions in the samemanner as the outer indicator ring 34. The inner indicator ring 236 ofthe second aspect can be the same as the inner indicator ring 36 of thefirst aspect and functions in the same manner as the inner indicatorring 36 of the first aspect. The outer indictor ring 234 and the innerindicator 236 together form a positive installation indicator 230,232.The inner indicator ring 236 can be of a color different than the colorof the outer indicator ring 234. For example, the inner indicator ring236 can be red while the outer indicator ring 234 can be green. Theouter indicator ring 234 includes a first end, a second end, an outersurface and an inner surface. The outer indicator ring 234 defines ahollow bore extending from the first end to the second end. The innersurface of the outer indicator ring 234 is conical shaped such that thediameter of the inner surface at first end is smaller than the diameterof the inner surface at the second end. The inner indicator ring 236 canbe formed of a material that is harder or less elastic than the materialforming the outer indicator ring 234 such that upon the outer indicatorring 234 being slid over the inner indicator ring 236, the outerindicator ring 234 is able to expand radially outwardly to accommodatethe inner indicator ring 236 being further inserted into the outerindicator ring 234. The inner indicator ring 236 includes a first end, asecond end, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner indicatorring 236 defines a hollow bore extending from the first end to thesecond end. The outer surface of the inner indicator ring 236 is conicalshaped such that the diameter of the outer surface at the first end issmaller than the diameter of the outer surface at the second end. Theangle of the outer surface of the inner indicator ring 236 isapproximately the same as the angle of the inner surface of the outerindicator ring 234 to allow the outer indicator ring 234 to be situatedradially outwardly of the inner indicator ring 236 upon the outerindicator ring 234 being expanded.

The first and second set screws 226,228 of the second aspect, eachincludes a head 318 and a threaded shaft 320. The head 318 of each setscrew 226,228 has an annular axial inner surface adjacent and transitionto the threaded shaft 320. The first set screw 226 is inserted throughthe hollow bore of the outer indicator ring 234 such that the first endof the outer indicator ring is adjacent to and abuts the axial innersurface of the head 318. The first set screw 226 is then insertedthrough the hollow bore of the inner indicator ring 236 such that thefirst end of the inner indicator ring is adjacent to the second end ofthe outer indicator ring 234. The first set screw 226, with the outerindicator ring 234 and the inner indicator ring 236 positioned radiallyoutwardly of the shaft 320 is attached to the housing 216 by insertingthe threaded shaft 320 in the first threaded hole 278 and rotating thefirst set screw 226 to move the first set screw radially inwardly alongthe axis of the first thread hole towards the housing axis 256.Likewise, the second set screw 228 is inserted through the hollow boreof the outer indicator ring 234 such that the first end of the outerindicator ring is adjacent to and abuts the axial inner surface of thehead 318. The second set screw 228 is then inserted through the hollowbore of the inner indicator ring 236 such that the first end of theinner indicator ring is adjacent to the second end of the outerindicator ring 234. The first set screw 226, with the outer indicatorring 234 and the inner indicator ring 236 positioned radially outwardlyof the shaft 320, is attached to the housing 216 by inserting thethreaded shaft 320 in the second threaded hole 280 and rotating thesecond set screw 228 to move the second set screw radially inwardlyalong the axis of the second thread hole towards the housing axis 256.

Referring to FIGS. 29-31 , after the first annular seal 222 has beeninstalled in the first annular seal retaining groove 264 (shown in FIG.28 ), the second annular seal 224 has been installed in the secondannular seal retaining groove 266, the first set screw 226, with thefirst positive installation indicator 230 positioned radially outwardlyof the shaft 320, has been installed in the first threaded hole 278, andthe second set screw 228, with the second positive installationindicator 232 positioned radially outwardly of the shaft 320, has beeninstalled in the second threaded hole 280, the first pipe section 212and the second pipe section 214 can be joined to the pipe fitting 210.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate only the first pipe section 212 inserted into andjoined to the pipe fitting 210. The second pipe section 214 is not shownin FIGS. 30-31 to provide clarity and contrast to a pipe section thathas been inserted into and joined to the pipe fitting 210. It should benoted that to join the first pipe section 212 and the second pipesection 214 to the pipe fitting 210 to form a fluid connection betweenthe first pipe section 212 with the second pipe section 214, the secondpipe section 214 is inserted into and secured to the pipe fitting 210 inthe same manner that the first pipe section 212 is inserted into andsecured to the pipe fitting 210.

To join the first pipe section 212 to the pipe fitting 210, the firstpipe section 212 is inserted axially into the pipe fitting 210 throughthe first entrance 240 (shown in FIG. 28 ). As the first pipe section212 is inserted further into the pipe fitting, the outer surface of thefirst pipe section 212 contact the sealing portion 294 of the firstannular seal 222 and stretch the sealing portion 294 radially outwardlyto create a fluid seal between the first pipe section 212 and the firstannular seal 222. The first pipe section 212 is inserted into the pipefitting 210 until the end of the first pipe section 212 abuts firstannular surface 274 of the pipe abutment 272 and is situated in thefirst pipe retaining portion 268. Once the first pipe section 212 hasbeen properly inserted into the pipe fitting 210, the first pipe section212 can be secured to the pipe fitting 210. To secure the first pipesection 212 to the pipe fitting 210, the first set screw 226 is rotatedsuch that the threading of the first set screw 226 and the threading ofthe first threaded hole 278 causes the first set screw 226 to moveradially inwardly towards the housing axis 256. As the first set screw226 moves radially inwardly, the outer indicator ring 234 and the innerindicator ring 236 are compressed in between the axially inner surfaceof the head 318 of the set screw 226 and the outer surface 246 of thehousing 216 at the first boss 250. As the outer indicator ring 234 andthe inner indicator ring 236 are being compressed, the outer indicatorring 234 expands and slides over the inner indicator ring 236. The firstset screw 226 is moved radially inwardly until the end 324 of the firstset screw 226 abuts and applies a clamping force to the first pipesection 212; thus, preventing the first pipe section 212 from movingaxially relative to the pipe fitting 210. The first positiveinstallation indicator 230 is sized or calibrated such that upon thefirst set screw 226 being moved to a position where the end 324 of thefirst set screw 226 abuts and applies the necessary clamping force tothe first pipe section, the inner indicator ring 236 is completelyradially inwardly of the outer indicator ring 234 such that the innerindicator ring 236 is no longer visible. The inner indicator ring 236can be of a color different than the color of the outer indicator ring234. Having the inner indicator ring 236 be a different color than theouter indicator ring 234 allows for easy visual verification that theouter indicator ring 234 has completely surrounded the inner indicatorring 234 and the first set screw 226 has moved sufficiently radiallyinwardly to apply the necessary clamping force to the first pipe section212.

While FIGS. 29-31 do not illustrate the second pipe section 214 insertedinto and joined to the pipe fitting 210, the process for inserting thesecond pipe section 214 into the pipe fitting 210 through the secondentrance until the end of the second pipe section 214 abuts the secondannular surface 276 of the pipe abutment 272 and is situated in thesecond pipe retaining portion 270 is the same as the process forinserting the first pipe section 212 into the pipe fitting 210 throughthe first entrance until the end of the first pipe section 212 abuts thefirst annular surface 274 of the pipe abutment and is situated in thefirst pipe retaining portion 268. Likewise, while FIGS. 29-31 do notillustrate the second pipe section 214 secured to the pipe fitting 210,the process for securing the second pipe section 214 to the pipe fitting210 is the same as the process for securing the first pipe section 214to the pipe fitting 210. The second set screw 228 is rotated such thatthe threading of the second set screw 228 and the threading of thesecond threaded hole 280 causes the second set screw 228 to moveradially inwardly towards the housing axis 256. As the second set screw228 moves radially inwardly, the outer indicator ring 234 and the innerindicator ring 236 are compressed in between the axially inner surfaceof the head 318 of the set screw 228 and the outer surface 246 of thehousing 216 at the second boss 252. As the outer indicator ring 234 andthe inner indicator ring 236 are being compressed, the outer indicatorring 234 expands and slides over the inner indicator ring 236. Thesecond set screw 228 is moved radially inwardly until the end 326 of thesecond set screw 228 abuts and applies a clamping force to the secondpipe section 214; thus, preventing the second pipe section 214 frommoving axially relative to the pipe fitting 210. The second positiveinstallation indicator 232 is sized or calibrated such that upon thesecond set screw 228 being moved to a position where the end 326 of thesecond set screw 228 abuts and applies the necessary clamping force tothe second pipe section, the inner indicator ring 236 is completelyradially inwardly of the outer indicator ring 234 such that the innerindicator ring 236 is no longer visible. The inner indicator ring 236can be of a color different than the color of the outer indicator ring234. Having the inner indicator ring 236 be a different color than theouter indicator ring 234 allows for easy visual verification that theouter indicator ring 234 has completely surrounded the inner indicatorring 234 and the second set screw 228 has moved sufficiently radiallyinwardly to abut and apply the necessary clamping force to the secondpipe section 214.

A third aspect of the fitting assembly 1000 comprising a pipe fitting410 is disclosed and described in FIGS. 32-37 . The pipe fitting 410 canbe any suitable type of fitting, including but not limited to, acoupler, adapter, tee, elbow, flange, pipe coupling, pipe clamp, and thelike. The pipe fitting 410 of the third aspect is similar to the pipefitting 10 of the first aspect with the exception that the second end ofthe inner indicator ring is adjacent to and abuts the axial innersurface of the head and the first end of outer indicator ring isadjacent to and abuts the outer surface of the housing at the respondingfirst or second boss. As shown in FIGS. 32-34 , the pipe fitting 410 cancomprise a housing 416, a first grip ring 418, a second grip ring 420, afirst annular seal 422, a second annular seal 424, a first set screw426, a second set screw 428, and one or more of the positiveinstallation indicators 25. The one or more positive installationindicators 25 can comprise a first positive installation indicator 430and a second positive installation indicator 432. The first set screw426 and the first positive installation indicator 430 can define thefirst indicator assembly 35, and the second set screw 428 and the secondpositive installation indicator 432 can define the second indicatorassembly 45. Each positive installation indicator 430,432 includes anouter indicator ring 434 and an inner indicator ring 436. The first pipesection 412 and the second pipe section 414 to be inserted into thethird aspect of the pipe fitting 410 can be the same as the first andsecond pipe sections 12,14 to be inserted into the first aspect of thepipe fitting 10. The housing 416 of the third aspect can be the same asthe housing 16 of the first aspect and functions in the same manner asthe housing 16. The first grip ring 418 and the second grip ring 420 ofthe third aspect can be the same as the first and second grip rings18,20 of the first aspect and can be installed to the housing 416 andfunction in the same manner as the first and second grip rings 18,20.The first annular seal 422 and the second annular seal 424 of the thirdaspect can be the same as the first and second annular seals 22,24 ofthe first aspect and can be installed to the housing 416 and function inthe same manner as the first and second annular seals 22,24. The firstset screw 426 and the second set screw 428 of the third aspect can bethe same as the first and second set screws 26,28 of the first aspectand function in the same manner as the first and second set screws26,28. In other aspects, the positive installation indicator(s) 25 canbe used with any suitable fastener(s), such as bolts, on any othersuitable type of fitting, such as a pipe clamp or pipe coupling, whereinit is desired to indicate that the fastener(s) are properly tightened.

The outer indicator ring 434 of the third aspect can be the same as theouter indicator ring 34 of the first aspect. The inner indicator ring436 of the third aspect can be the same as the inner indicator ring 36of the first aspect. The outer indictor ring 434 and the inner indicator436 together form a positive installation indicator 430,432. The innerindicator ring 436 can be of a color different than the color of theouter indicator ring 434. For example, the inner indicator ring 436 canbe red while the outer indicator ring 434 can be green. As shown inFIGS. 33 and 34 , the outer indicator ring 434 includes a first end 498,a second end 500, an outer surface 502 and an inner surface 504. Theouter indicator ring 434 defines a hollow bore 506 extending from thefirst end 498 to the second end 500. The inner surface of the outerindicator ring 434 is conical shaped. The inner indicator ring 436 canbe formed of a material that is harder or less elastic than the materialforming the outer indicator ring 434 such that upon the outer indicatorring 434 being slid over the inner indicator ring 436, the outerindicator ring 434 is able to expand radially outwardly to accommodatethe inner indicator ring 436 being further inserted into the outerindicator ring 434. The inner indicator ring 436 includes a first end508, a second end 510, an outer surface 512 and an inner surface 514.The inner indicator ring 436 defines a hollow bore 516 extending fromthe first end 508 to the second end 510. The outer surface 512 of theinner indicator ring 436 is conical shaped. The angle of the outersurface 512 of the inner indicator ring 436 is approximately the same asthe angle of the inner surface 504 of the outer indicator ring 434 toallow the outer indicator ring 434 to be situated radially outwardly ofthe inner indicator ring 436 upon the outer indicator ring 434 beingexpanded.

The first and second set screws 426,428 of the third aspect, eachincludes a head 518 and a threaded shaft 520 (shown in FIG. 34 ). Thehead 518 of each set screw 426,428 has an annular axial inner surface522 adjacent and transition to the threaded shaft 520. The first setscrew 426 is inserted through the hollow bore 516 of the inner indicatorring 436 such that the second end 500 of the inner indicator ring 436 isadjacent to and abuts the axial inner surface 522 of the head 518 (shownin FIG. 33 ). The first set screw 226 is then inserted through thehollow bore 506 of the outer indicator ring 434 such that the second end500 of the outer indicator ring 434 is adjacent to the first end 508 ofthe inner indicator ring 436 (shown in FIG. 33 ). The first set screw426, with the inner indicator ring 436 and the outer indicator ring 434positioned radially outwardly of the shaft 520, is attached to thehousing 416 by inserting the threaded shaft 520 in the first threadedhole 478 and rotating the first set screw 426 to move the first setscrew radially inwardly along the axis of the first thread hole towardsthe housing axis 456. Likewise, the second set screw 428 is insertedthrough the hollow bore 516 of the inner indicator ring 436 such thatthe second end 510 of the inner indicator ring 436 is adjacent to andabuts the axial inner surface 522 of the head 518. The second set screw428 is then inserted through the hollow bore 506 of the outer indicatorring 434 such that the second end 500 of the outer indicator ring 434 isadjacent to the first end 508 of the inner indicator ring 436. Thesecond set screw 428, with the inner indicator ring 436 and the outerindicator ring 434 positioned radially outwardly of the shaft 520, isattached to the housing 416 by inserting the threaded shaft 520 in thesecond threaded hole 480 and rotating the second set screw 428 to movethe second set screw radially inwardly along the axis of the secondthread hole towards the housing axis 456.

Referring to FIGS. 35-37 , after the first grip ring 418, the secondgrip ring 420, first annular seal 422, and second annular seal 424 havebeen installed in housing 416, the first set screw 426, with the firstpositive installation indicator 430 positioned radially outwardly of theshaft 520, has been installed in the first threaded hole 478, and thesecond set screw 428, with the second positive installation indicator432 positioned radially outwardly of the shaft 520, has been installedin the second threaded hole 480, the first pipe section 412 and thesecond pipe section 414 can be inserted into and joined to the pipefitting 410.

FIGS. 35-37 illustrate only the first pipe section 412 inserted into andjoined to the pipe fitting 410. The second pipe section 414 is not shownin FIG. 37 to provide clarity and contrast to a pipe section that hasbeen inserted into and joined to the pipe fitting 410. It should benoted that to join the first pipe section 412 and the second pipesection 414 to the pipe fitting 410 to form a fluid connection betweenthe first pipe section 412 with the second pipe section 414, the secondpipe section 414 is inserted into and secured to the pipe fitting 410 inthe same manner that the first pipe section 412 is inserted into andsecured to the pipe fitting 410.

The first pipe section 412 of the third aspect can be inserted into thepipe fitting 410 in the same manner as the first pipe section 12 of thefirst aspect is inserted into the pipe 10. The interaction of the firstpipe section 412 with the first grip ring 418 and the first annular seal422 of the third aspect can be the same as the interaction of the pipesection 12 with the first grip 18 and the first annular seal 22 of thefirst aspect. Once the first pipe section 412 has been properly insertedinto the pipe fitting 410, the first pipe section 412 can be secured tothe pipe fitting 410. To secure the first pipe section 412 to the pipefitting 410, the first set screw 426 is rotated such that the threadingof the first set screw 426 and the threading of the first threaded hole478 causes the first set screw 426 to move radially inwardly towards thehousing axis 456. As the first set screw 426 moves radially inwardly,the inner indicator ring 436 and the outer indicator ring 434 arecompressed in between the axially inner surface 522 of the head 518 ofthe set screw 426 and the outer surface 446 of the housing 416 at thefirst boss 450. As the inner indicator ring 436 and the outer indicatorring 434 are being compressed, the outer indicator ring 434 expands andslides over the inner indicator ring 436. The first set screw 426 ismoved radially inwardly until an end 524 of the first set screw 426pushes against the ring body 486 of the first grip ring 418 to apply aclamping force to the first pipe section 412; thus, preventing the firstpipe section 412 from moving axially relative to the pipe fitting 410.The first positive installation indicator 430 is sized or calibratedsuch that upon the first set screw 426 being moved to a position wherethe end 524 of the first set screw 426 pushes the ring body 486 to applythe necessary clamping force to the first pipe section, the innerindicator ring 436 is completely radially inwardly of the outerindicator ring 434 such that the inner indicator ring 436 is no longervisible. The inner indicator ring 436 can be of a color different thanthe color of the outer indicator ring 434. Having the inner indicatorring 436 be a different color than the outer indicator ring 434 allowsfor easy visual verification that the outer indicator ring 434 hascompletely surrounded the inner indicator ring 434 and the first setscrew 426 has moved sufficiently radially inwardly to apply thenecessary clamping force to the first pipe section 412. While FIGS.35-37 do not illustrate the second pipe section 414 secured to the pipefitting 410, the process for securing the second pipe section 414 to thepipe fitting 410 is the same as the process for securing the first pipesection 414 to the pipe fitting 410.

A fourth aspect of the fitting assembly 1000 comprising a pipe fitting610 is disclosed and described in FIGS. 38-43 . The pipe fitting 610 canbe any suitable type of fitting, including but not limited to, acoupler, adapter, tee, elbow, flange, pipe coupling, pipe clamp, and thelike. The pipe fitting 610 of the fourth aspect is similar to the pipefitting 10 of the first aspect with the exception that the first piperetaining portion and the second pipe retaining portion include aplurality of teeth extending radially inwardly to better stabilize theinserted first and second pipe sections and to better secure the firstand second pipe sections to the pipe fitting. As shown in FIG. 43 , thepipe fitting 610 can comprise a housing 616, a first grip ring 618, asecond grip ring 620, a first annular seal 622, a second annular seal624, a first set screw 626, a second set screw 628, and one or more ofthe positive installation indicators 25. The one or more positiveinstallation indicators 25 can comprise a first positive installationindicator 630 and a second positive installation indicator 632. Thefirst set screw 626 and the first positive installation indicator 630can define the first indicator assembly 35, and the second set screw 628and the second positive installation indicator 632 can define the secondindicator assembly 45. The first pipe section 612 and the second pipesection 614 (shown in FIG. 38 ) to be inserted into the fourth aspect ofthe pipe fitting 610 can be the same as the first and second pipesections 12,14 to be inserted into the first aspect of the pipe fitting10. The first grip ring 618 and the second grip ring 620 of the fourthaspect can be the same as the first and second grip rings 18,20 of thefirst aspect and can be installed to the housing 616 and function in thesame manner as the first and second grip rings 18,20. The first annularseal 622 and the second annular seal 624 of the fourth aspect can be thesame as the first and second annular seals 22,24 of the first aspect andcan be installed to the housing 616 and function in the same manner asthe first and second annular seals 22,24. The first set screw 626 andthe second set screw 628 of the fourth aspect can be the same as thefirst and second set screws 26,28 of the first aspect and function inthe same manner as the first and second set screws 26,28. The firstpositive installation indicator 630 and the second positive installationindicator 632 of the fourth aspect can be the same as the first andsecond positive installation indicators 30,32 of the first aspect, canbe attached to the first and second set screws 626, 628 in the samemanner as the first and second positive installation indicators 30,32,and can function in the same manner as the first and second positiveinstallation indicators 30,32 to allow for visual verification that theouter indicator ring 634 has completely surrounded the inner indicatorring 636 and the corresponding the set screw 626,628 has movedsufficiently radially inwardly to apply the necessary clamping force tothe corresponding pipe section 612,614. In other aspects, the positiveinstallation indicator(s) 25 can be used with any suitable fastener(s),such as bolts, on any other suitable type of fitting, such as a pipeclamp or pipe coupling, wherein it is desired to indicate that thefastener(s) are properly tightened.

As shown in FIGS. 39-41 , the housing 616 of the fourth aspect definesan axis 656 extending from the first end 638 of the housing to thesecond end 642 of the housing. The inner surface 648 of the housingdefines a cavity 658 radially inwardly of the inner surface 648 andextending from the first entrance 640 to the second entrance 644. Theaxis 656 extends through the middle center line of the cavity 658. Theinner surface 648 defines a first grip ring retaining groove 660 axiallyinwardly of the first entrance 640 and a second grip ring retaininggroove 662 axially inwardly of the second entrance 644. Axially inwardlyof the first grip ring retaining groove 660 is a first annular sealretaining groove 664 and axially inwardly of the second grip ringretaining groove 662 is a second annular seal retaining groove 666. Afirst pipe retaining portion 668 is located axially inwardly of thefirst annular seal retaining groove 664 and a second pipe retainingportion 670 is located axially inwardly of the second annular sealretaining groove 666. The first pipe retaining portion 668 includes aplurality of teeth 669 extending radially inwardly toward the axis 656.The second pipe retaining portion 670 includes a plurality of teeth 671extending radially inwardly toward the axis 656. The radially outermostextent of the teeth (or the valley of the teeth) defines a diameter D₉.The radially innermost extent of the teeth (or the point of the teeth)defines a diameter D₁₀. The diameter D₁ of the first and second pipesection 612,614 (shown in FIG. 38 ) is slightly smaller than thediameter D₉ of the outermost extent of the teeth 669,671 and slightlylarger than the diameter D₁₀ of the innermost extend of the teeth669,671 to allow the points of the teeth to scrap or dig into the outersurface of corresponding first or second pipe section 612,614. Anannular radially inwardly extending pipe abutment 672 is located betweenthe first pipe retaining portion 668 and the second pipe retainingportion 670. The pipe abutment 672 has a first annular surface 674 toprevent the first pipe section 612 from moving further axially inwardlyand a second annular surface 676 to prevent the second pipe section 614from moving further axially inwardly. The first grip ring retaininggroove 660, the first annular seal retaining groove 664, the first piperetaining portion 668, the pipe abutment 672, the second pipe retainingportion 670, the second annular seal retaining groove 666 and the secondgrip retaining groove 662 together form the inner surface 648 of thehousing 616.

FIGS. 38 and 42-43 illustrate only the first pipe section 612 insertedinto and joined to the pipe fitting 610. The second pipe section 614 isnot shown in FIGS. 42-43 to provide clarity and contrast to a pipesection that has been inserted into and joined to the pipe fitting 610.It should be noted that to join the first pipe section 612 and thesecond pipe section 614 to the pipe fitting 610 to form a fluidconnection between the first pipe section 612 with the second pipesection 614, the second pipe section 614 is inserted into and secured tothe pipe fitting 610 in the same manner that the first pipe section 612is inserted into and secured to the pipe fitting 610.

To join the first pipe section 612 to the pipe fitting 610, the firstpipe section 612 can be inserted axially into the pipe fitting 610through the first grip ring 618 and the first annular seal 622 in thesame manner as the first pipe section 12 is inserted axially into thepipe fitting 10 of the first aspect through the first grip ring 18 andthe first annular seal 22. The first pipe section 612 is then insertedinto the pipe fitting 610 until outer surface of the pipe section 612contacts the innermost extent of the teeth 669 of the first piperetaining portion 668. As the pipe section 612 is further inserted intothe pipe section 610, the innermost extent of the teeth 669 of the firstpipe retaining portion 668 scrap or dig into the outer surface of thefirst pipe section 612 until the end of the first pipe section 614 abutsthe first annular surface 674 of the pipe abutment 672. Due to the teeth669 scrapping or digging into the first pipe section 612, the first pipesection 612 is better stabilized in the pipe fitting 610 and additionalresistance is provided for the first pipe section 612 being pulled outof the pipe fitting 610. Once the first pipe section 612 has beenproperly inserted into the pipe fitting 610, the first set screw 626 canrotated to cause the first set screw 626 to move radially inwardlytowards the housing axis 656 and compress the outer indicator ring 634and the inner indicator ring 636 until the outer indicator ring 634slides over the inner indicator ring 636 in the same manner as the outerindicator ring 34 of the first embodiment slides over the innerindicator ring 36 to confirm that the first set screw 626 has movedsufficiently radially inwardly to apply the necessary clamping force tothe pipe section 612.

A fifth aspect of the fitting assembly 1000 comprising a pipe fitting810 is disclosed and described in FIG. 44 . The pipe fitting 810 can beany suitable type of fitting, including but not limited to, a coupler,adapter, tee, elbow, flange, pipe coupling, pipe clamp, and the like.The pipe fitting 810 of the fifth aspect is similar to the pipe fitting10 of the first aspect with the exception that edged rings are used inplace of the grip rings of the first aspect. As shown in FIG. 44 , thepipe fitting 810 can comprise a housing 816, a first edged ring 818, asecond edged ring 820, a first annular seal 822, a second annular seal824, a first set screw 826, a second set screw 828, and one or more ofthe positive installation indicators 25. The one or more positiveinstallation indicators 25 can comprise a first positive installationindicator 830 and a second positive installation indicator 832. Thefirst set screw 826 and the first positive installation indicator 830can define the first indicator assembly 35, and the second set screw 828and the second positive installation indicator 832 can define the secondindicator assembly 45. The first pipe section 812 and the second pipesection 814 to be inserted into the fifth aspect of the pipe fitting 810can be the same as the first and second pipe sections 12,14 to beinserted into the first aspect of the pipe fitting 10. The housing 816of the fifth aspect can be similar to the housing 16 of the first aspectand functions in the same manner as the housing 16 with the exception ofthe ring retaining grooves 860,862 sized and shaped to accommodate theedged rings 818,820. The first annular seal 822 and the second annularseal 824 of the fifth aspect can be the same as the first and secondannular seals 22,24 of the first aspect and can be installed to thehousing 816 and function in the same manner as the first and secondannular seals 22,24. The first set screw 826 and the second set screw828 of the fifth aspect can be the same as the first and second setscrews 26,28 of the first aspect and function in the same manner as thefirst and second set screws 26,28. The first positive installationindicator 830 and the second positive installation indicator 832 of thefifth aspect can be the same as the first and second positiveinstallation indicators 30,32 of the first aspect, can be attached tothe first and second set screws 826, 828 in the same manner as the firstand second positive installation indicators 30,32, and can function inthe same manner as the first and second positive installation indicators30,32 to allow for visual verification that the outer indicator ring 834has completely surrounded the inner indicator ring 836 and thecorresponding the set screw 826,828 has moved sufficiently radiallyinwardly to apply the necessary clamping force to the corresponding pipesection 812,814. In other aspects, the positive installationindicator(s) 25 can be used with any suitable fastener(s), such asbolts, on any other suitable type of fitting, such as a pipe clamp orpipe coupling, wherein it is desired to indicate that the fastener(s)are properly tightened.

As shown in FIG. 44 , the first edged ring 818 and the second edged ring820 of the fifth aspect each include a body portion 886 and a v-shapedsharp portion 888 terminating at sharp edge 890 directed towards theaxis of the housing 856. The edged rings 818, 820 are circumferentiallycontinuous such that the sharp edge 890 surrounds the corresponding pipesection 812,814 upon the pipe section inserted into the pipe fitting.

To join the first pipe section 812 to the pipe fitting 810, the firstpipe section 812 can be inserted axially into the pipe fitting 810through the first edged ring 818 and the first annular seal 822 and intothe first pipe retaining portion 868 until the end of the first pipe 812abuts the first annular surface 874 of the pipe abutment 872 in the samemanner as the first pipe section 12 is inserted axially into the pipefitting 10 of the first aspect through the first grip ring 18 and thefirst annular seal 22 and into the first pipe retaining portion 68 untilthe end of the first pipe 12 abuts the first annular surface 74 of thepipe abutment 72 Once the first pipe section 812 has been properlyinserted into the pipe fitting 810, the first set screw 826 can rotatedto cause the first set screw 826 to move radially inwardly towards thehousing axis 856 and compress the outer indicator ring 834 and the innerindicator ring 836 until the outer indicator ring 834 slides over theinner indicator ring 836 in the same manner as the outer indicator ring34 of the first embodiment slides over the inner indicator ring 36 toconfirm that the first set screw 826 has moved sufficiently radiallyinwardly to apply the necessary clamping force to the pipe section 812.As the first set screw 826 moves radially inwardly to apply thenecessary clamping force to the pipe section 812, the end 124 of thefirst set screw pushes against the body 886 of the edged ring causingthe sharp edge 890 of the first edged ring 818 to compress and dig intothe first pipe section 812. Since the first edge ring 818circumferentially surrounds the first pipe section 812, the contactpoint between the edge ring 818 and first pipe section 812 can be morebalance as compared to the first set screw 826 directly engaging thefirst pipe section 812. The second pipe section 814 can be joined andsecured to the pipe fitting 810 in the same manner as the first pipesection 812 is joined and secured to the pipe fitting 810.

One should note that the different aspects disclosed herein can becombined such that the pipe fitting can include the features of morethan one aspect. One should note that conditional language, such as,among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specificallystated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while otheraspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus,such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreparticular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially fromthe spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scopeof the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinationsand sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussedabove. All such modifications and variations are intended to be includedherein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possibleclaims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps areintended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A pipe coupling comprising: a coupling bodydefining a hole; and an indicator assembly comprising: a fastenerextending through the hole defining a first end, a second end oppositethe first end, and an axis extending from the first end to the secondend; a first indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastenerrelative to the axis of the fastener; and a second indicator positionedradially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener,wherein the second indicator is axially in between the first indicatorand the second end of the fastener upon the fastener being oriented in afirst position, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly orradially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener beingoriented in a second position; wherein: the coupling body defines acavity configured to receive a pipe section; the cavity defines a cavityaxis and the hole defines a hole axis; and the hole axis of the hole isperpendicular to the cavity axis of the cavity.
 2. The pipe coupling ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first indicator and the second indicatorare formed as rings and are concentric to the axis of the fastener. 3.The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the fastener defines a head and ashaft, the head having an axial inner surface, and wherein the firstindicator is adjacent to the axial inner surface of the fastener.
 4. Thepipe coupling of claim 1, wherein a height of the first indicator isdifferent than a height of the second indicator.
 5. The pipe coupling ofclaim 1, wherein a color of the first indicator is different than acolor the second indicator.
 6. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein ahardness of the first indicator is different than a hardness of thesecond indicator.
 7. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein an elasticityof the first indicator is different than an elasticity of the secondindicator.
 8. A pipe coupling comprising: a coupling body defining ahole; and an indicator assembly comprising a fastener extending throughthe hole, a first indicator mounted on the fastener, and a secondindicator mounted on the fastener, the fastener defining an axis;wherein: the second indicator is axially in between the first indicatorand the coupling body upon the fastener being oriented in a firstposition; the second indicator is radially inwardly or radiallyoutwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener being oriented in asecond position; the coupling body defines a cavity configured toreceive a pipe section; the cavity defines a cavity axis and the holedefines a hole axis; and the hole axis of the hole is perpendicular tothe cavity axis of the cavity.
 9. The pipe coupling of claim 8, whereineach of the first indicator and the second indicator are formed as ringsand are concentric to the hole axis.
 10. The pipe coupling of claim 8,wherein the fastener defines a head and a shaft, the shaft extendsthrough the hole in the coupling body, each of the first indicator andthe second indicator are mounted on the shaft.
 11. The pipe coupling ofclaim 8, wherein a height of the first indicator is different than aheight of the second indicator.
 12. The pipe coupling of claim 8,wherein a color of the first indicator is different than a color thesecond indicator.
 13. The pipe coupling of claim 8, wherein a hardnessof the first indicator is different than a hardness of the secondindicator.
 14. The pipe coupling of claim 8, wherein an elasticity ofthe first indicator is different than an elasticity of the secondindicator.
 15. A pipe coupling comprising: a coupling body defining ahole; and an indicator assembly comprising: a fastener extending throughthe hole; a first indicator ring mounted on the fastener and defining afirst end, a second end opposite the first end, an outer surface, and aninner surface opposite the outer surface, the inner surface defining aconical, hollow bore extending from the first end to the second end,wherein a diameter of the conical, hollow bore at the first end is lessthan a diameter of the conical, hollow bore at the second end; and asecond indicator ring mounted on the fastener and configured to engagethe conical, hollow bore of the first indicator ring, the secondindicator ring defining a first end, a second end opposite the firstend, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface,the outer surface defining a conical shape, wherein a diameter of theouter surface at the first end is less than a diameter of the outersurface at the second end; wherein: the coupling body defines a cavityconfigured to receive a pipe section; the cavity defines a cavity axisand the hole defines a hole axis; and the hole axis of the hole isperpendicular to the cavity axis of the cavity.
 16. The pipe coupling ofclaim 15, wherein an angle of the outer surface of the second indicatorring is substantially the same as an angle of the inner surface of thefirst indicator ring.
 17. The pipe coupling of claim 16, wherein thefirst indicator comprises an elastic material configured to expand toreceive the second indicator ring within the conical hollow, bore. 18.The pipe coupling of claim 17, wherein an elasticity of the firstindicator is different than an elasticity of the second indicator. 19.The pipe coupling of claim 15, wherein an upper surface of the firstindicator at the first end is substantially planar, and wherein a lowersurface of the second indicator at the second end is substantiallyplanar.